New York missing children reports show many are runaways

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York officials say most of the 20,309 children reported missing in the state last year were runaways and only 2 of 196 reported abductions involved strangers.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services notes a 4 percent increase in reports to the State Missing and Exploited Children Clearinghouse in 2010.

More than 20,000 cases of missing children under 18 were closed or canceled during the year. Five children were reported dead. Another 2,322 cases remained active at the start of 2011.

Of the 196 reported abductions, 188 were done by family members, most involving children under 12. Another six were taken by an acquaintance. Two teenage girls were reported abducted by strangers, one in Broome County and another in Monroe County.